Monthly Archives: January 2019

Vengeance Road (Torpedo Ink #2) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
36

VENGEANCE ROAD (Torpedo Ink #2) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

VENGEANCE ROAD
Torpedo Ink #2
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult,contemprary, erotic, MC, slightly paranormal, romance
Release Date: January 29, 2019

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29, 2019

Breezy Simmons was born into a ruthless motorcycle club—and now that she’s out, she’s never going to be that girl again. But when her past catches up with her, Breezy must go to Sea Haven to seek out the man who almost destroyed her. The man who chose his club over her and left her feeling used and alone.

As vice president of Torpedo Ink, Steele is ride or die for the brothers he lived through hell with. He never thought he’d find something as pure as his feelings for Breezy, or that keeping her safe would mean driving her away with cruel words that turned her love for him to ash.

Now, Steele won’t let her walk away twice. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Breezy his woman again—especially when he learns the real reason she came to him for help, and that the stakes are higher than he ever could have imagined

•••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: VENGEANCE ROAD is the second instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK slighty-paranormal, erotic romance series focusing on the men and women of the Torpedo Ink MC. This is Breezy Simmons, and Torpedo Ink MC vice president Lyov ‘Steele’ Russak’s story line. VENGEANCE ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. The TORPEDO INK series is a spin-off from the author’s SEA HAVEN SERIES but you do not have to have read the original series to follow Torpedo Ink.

NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, and his wife Blythe Daniels were introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.

WARNING: VENGEANCE ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and therefore, may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: At the tender age of ten years old, Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski set about to save and rescue over three hundred children from one of four Russian child sex-slave operations but in the end only eighteen survived. The Torpedo Ink series focuses on the survivors: their stories, their history, and their happily ever afters.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Steele and Breezy) VENGEANCE ROAD follows the second chance romance between Breezy Simmons, and Torpedo Ink MC vice president Lyov ‘Steele’ Russak. Four years earlier Lyov ‘Steele’ Russak went undercover with the Swords MC where he met and fell for Breezy Simmons, the daughter of the Swords MC President. Things went from bad to worse when secrets were revealed, and Steele maliciously pushed Breezy out of his life. Fast forward to present day wherein Breezy is desperate for Steele and Torpedo Ink MC help, help she knows will permanently bring Steele back into her life. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Steele and Breezy, and the potential fall-out as Breezy is unable to come to terms between the man that she loves, and the man who pushed her out of his life.

Steele is a natural healer but like all of the Russian sex-slave survivors, Steele is a trained assassin; a stone-cold killer who isn’t afraid of protecting the people he loves. When Breezy’s past begins to spiral out of control threatening everything and everyone she loves, Steele and his Torpedo Ink family make it their priority to save one of their own.

The relationship between Breezy and Steele is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that struggles with sins of the past, and Steele’s treatment of our heroine three years earlier. Steele struggles with the memories of his time spent as a child sex-slave for the Russian mob, memories that continue to haunt our story line (anti) hero. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, aggressive and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters-Steele’s Torpedo Ink family- a family of survivors who have endured years of torture, rape, abuse and an education in the world of the deviant and sick.

The world building continues to focus on the years of abuse suffered at the hands of the Russian mob: the recovery and revenge; the betrayal and ramifications; the heart break, and damage caused to a group of children (now adults) and their struggle to accept, grieve and move forward with lives. As I have stated before in many of my reviews, I have remarked on the author’s increasing violent story lines and abuse against women and children but in the case of the Torpedo Ink series, the violence is part of their history and lives-ingrained and imbedded –into their very existence. The story line heroes are not the perpetrators of the violence and abuse against the women they love but are the saviors and salvation of those who suffered years before.

VENGEANCE ROAD is a heart breaking, painful and graphic story line of abuse and betrayal; vengeance and retribution. The characters are animated, broken but recovering; the romance is hard and impassioned. Christine Feehan pulls the reader into the dark and gritty world of Torpedo Ink.

 

Barb’s REVIEW:

Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan is the 2nd book in her Torpedo Ink series.  Just a brief refresher for this series:  Blythe marrying Viktor (Czar) was the end of the Sea Haven series.  Czar is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him to Sea Haven and Blythe, they have built their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper, which is close to Sea Haven.  Each of these members have suffered terrible abuse in their childhoods in Russia, being forced to all become lethal assassins; each still very much trying to find the light inside their darkness.  They are all determined to protect each other, and also work secretly to save children they have become part of human trafficking, as well as pedophiles. 

In Vengeance Road, we meet our heroine, Breezy (Bree) Simmons, who is desperate to find the man who broke her heart three years ago.  She grew up in a MC club, being treated badly by her father and brother; and now three years after she left, the past has come back to rear its ugly head.  Steele, our hero, is the Vice President of Torpedo Ink, and when he sees Breezy come to their club, leaving an envelope, he is determined to get her back, and this time keep her.  He and his teammates, who are loyal to each other, find and bring Breezy back, and the information she brings alerts the whole team, especially Steele, as he has never stopped loving Bree, and now he has a son.  A son who has been kidnapped by Bree’s evil father, who is leader of the local Swords MC.

Bree is desperate to get her son back, but she is a mess, since she wants nothing to do with MC gangs.  Steele, at first angry about her not telling him about their son, knows that it was his fault that she left, since he was the one who pushed her away.  He wanted to save her from the abuse she took from her father, and the Swords gang, but in doing so, realized he loved her and wanted her back.

What follows is an exciting adventure with Steele, Bree and the team working together to find their son, and eliminate the evil Swords.  In a short time, especially with Steele determined to win Bree back, the romance between them rekindles and the chemistry is sizzling. Steele is very dominant, and unbending, but he begins to see that Bree  is now a stronger person, and he eventually will confront his demons by telling her about his horrific childhood.    Bree knows she still loves Steele, but is afraid to get back into the club life, even though she learns over time that Torpedo Ink is not like other clubs.  They take care and protect their own, and work toward helping others who has suffered. 

It is important to note that this is a very violent story, as well as being very exciting. The men of Torpedo Ink will do anything they can to find information to help find the boy, which means excessive torture; but we do know how much they suffered, and live with those dark memories.  I love all the members of the Torpedo Ink family, including the female members(Lana & Alena), and the ladies who become part of them (Blythe, Anya and now Bree)

The story does have a lot of sex scenes, as Bree and Steele were very steamy and great together .

Vengeance Road is a dark romantic story, that is also very emotional, as we continue to learn through the eyes of the members what they had to endure in Russia.  I look forward to future books in this series,   where we will get to meet the other members of the team, as they find their way out of the darkness to the light of love. Despite the dark violent story, Vengeance Road was a great read, exciting, sexy,  with a fabulous group of secondary characters. 

 

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

 

 

Excerpt courtesy of the publisher Berkley Romance

 

Breezy Simmons leaned against her pickup for a moment, staring at the large building that housed the Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club. Her heart beat so hard in her chest she was afraid she might vomit. The world spun uncontrollably, and she quickly leaned down, putting her head between her legs, drawing in great gulps of air. She caught a glimpse of two men on the other side of the compound as her head went toward the asphalt, and she didn’t recognize either of them. That made her pounding heart sink.
She couldn’t possibly have the wrong club. This had to be them. She was running out of time and options. She slowly righted herself and took another cautious look around. The two men stared at her from across the parking lot. She was careful not to look at them too long. She didn’t want them coming anywhere near her. She needed to get in and out very fast.
The Torpedo Ink compound was extremely large and had a high chain-link fence surrounding it. There was even razor wire up on top of the fence, making the place look like a fortress. The rolling gates were wide open, and she’d driven her truck right inside, parking as close to the clubhouse as possible. She deliberately left the door to her beat-up pickup open and the engine running. Hopefully, no one recognized her, and she could get in and out of the building quickly, once she asserted these were the right people, the ones she was looking for.
In the early morning hours, the club was just beginning to stir. Clearly, they’d partied hard over the weekend. In the enormous side yard, the one with the beautiful ocean view, she could see embers in fire pits glowing as the breeze stirred them up. A man with his back to her watered them down with a hose. He wore a tight tee and jeans, but no colors. Still, she knew this was the home of the club that called itself Torpedo Ink. She sent up a silent prayer that this was the one she’d been looking for.
There were empty bottles strewn around the grass and on the ground to the side of the building in the wide expanse of open field. Cars, motorcycles and trucks were scattered around the parking lot, although no one parked where the club did. Their motorcycles were lined up neatly and a prospect watched over them. He sat on the curb looking at her. She was parked too close to the precious bikes, but she didn’t care—other than it had drawn the attention of the prospect.
Another long line of motorcycles was parked a short distance down from the clubhouse and a prospect watched over those bikes as well. He looked at her without much interest, which indicated to her that these bikes belonged to a visiting club. He wasn’t as interested in protecting the grounds as the one closest to the clubhouse.
She had to get this over with. Just being in such close proximity to an MC made her sick. The fact that she knew what went on at the party made her even sicker. That this might be his club, and she had to risk running into him, made all that far worse.
Breezy squared her shoulders, dragged the envelope off the seat and turned all in one motion. The prospect was on his feet. If she knew for certain this was the right club, she would have thrust the letter into his hands and left, but she was guessing from a process of elimination.
She purposely hadn’t kept track of him, especially when she’d heard, a year after she’d left, that eighteen members of the Swords had set up the international president for assassination and had, allegedly, wiped out a number of members and then disappeared. She knew who those eighteen members were immediately and knowing them, she knew it was possible when others said it wasn’t. She’d run as far from the life as she could and now she was pulled right back in.


 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of JUDGEMENT ROAD to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from January 29-February 4, 2019

Share

Shattered Vows (Crimson Point #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review & Excerpt Tour

Posted on by
10

SHATTERED VOWS (Crimson Point #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review and Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

She belonged to his best friend.

Molly Boyd’s entire world unraveled when tragedy turned the man she loved into her greatest threat, and now her confusing feelings for his best friend aren’t helping matters. For years Jase has been a solid, steady source of comfort and friendship. Now she can’t stop seeing him as something more. And just as she’s wrestling with her shifting feelings, a new danger from her ex’s past threatens everything.

But she’s always been the one.

Jase Weaver is an expert at unrequited love. Years ago he stood by and watched his best friend marry the woman of his dreams, and he’s endured his suffering in silence ever since. But when Carter’s self-destructive tailspin threatened Molly, Jase stepped in to make her safe. Now he can’t stay silent any longer. He’s wanted Molly forever and it’s time she knows it. So when a new threat against her emerges, Jase will put his own life on the line to protect her, no matter the cost.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  SHATTERED VOWS is the third instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Crimson Point, Oregon, and a group of former Special Forces soldiers. This is ER nurse Molly Boyd, and thirty-four year old, former Special Forces soldier Sergeant Jase Weaver’s story line. SHATTERED VOWS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an on-going premise throughout.

NOTE: SHATTERED VOWS contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be some spoilers in my reviews.

Told from several third person perspectives including Molly and Jase SHATTERED VOWS follows the friends to lovers relationship between ER nurse Molly Boyd, and thirty -four year old, former Special Forces soldier Sergeant Jase Weaver. Molly’s husband Carter Boyd’s life spiralled out of control following an IED attack that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Weeks after Carter’s death Molly discovers her late husband’s past has come seeking retribution, retribution Molly is unable to pay. For years Jase Weaver has stayed on the sidelines watching the woman he loves marry his best friend, a friend whose injury destroyed them all. With a second chance to make things right, Jase starts a slow seduction of the woman he loves but a seduction that is stopped before it begins. What ensues is the building romance between Molly and Jase, and the fall-out as Molly is targeted by her late-husband’s past.

Jase Weaver has been in love with his best friend’s wife from the first time they met but Molly fell in love with someone else. Molly’s life was never the same following the IED attack that damaged her husband beyond repair, damages that would destroy Carter’s life.

The relationship between Molly and Jase is a best friend’s wife to lovers romance that focuses on heart break, grief, and the fall-out of war. Molly and Jase struggled with the guilt of moving on while the man they once loved was no longer alive. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Sierra and Beckett (Fractured Honor #1), Noah and Poppy (Buried Lies #2), as well as the return of Royal Marine Aidan MacIntyre; and Tiana Fitzgerald. Tiana and Aidan’s story line is next in Rocky Ground.

The world building continues to focus on the friendships and relationships of the former Special Forces soldiers: their struggle to move forward as the ghosts from the past continue to haunt their days and nights.

SHATTERED VOWS is a story of grief and loss, friendships and love, struggle and battling demons from the past. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colourful, charismatic and spirited; the romance is captivating and seductive. SHATTERED VOWS is a sexy, sensitive and edgy story of second chances and HEA.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Fractured Honor
Buried Lies
Shattered Vows

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Molly Boyd clamped her teeth together to keep them from chattering and hunched into a tighter ball in an effort to keep warm, but it didn’t help. She was cold all the way to her bones, her sodden clothes sticking to her skin. A summer rainstorm pounded down outside the shelter of the culvert she huddled in—hiding from her ex-husband.
Shock kept advancing and retreating, trapping her in an emotional fog. She’d never imagined she would end up like this. Not even after everything she and Carter had been through.
The left side of her face throbbed. Her cheek was bruised, her eye swelling slightly, and her lip burned where Carter had backhanded her. Her bare feet stung from the scratches she’d sustained in her flight to this lonely culvert at the side of the road.
All of it was eclipsed by the pain in her heart.
She closed her eyes, fought to hold off the memory of him breaking into the house and coming at her with that terrifying, predatory expression on his face. The memory of escaping the house, slamming that branch over his back and running for her life through the darkened woods.
Tears threatened. She shook them off, refusing to give in. If she started crying now, she might never stop, and she had to stay alert because she was still in danger with Carter looking for her.
What am I going to do?
She shivered harder, tucked her knees up tight to her chest and leaned her forehead on them as she fought to keep from spiraling into the black pit of despair yawning at the edge of her consciousness. Jase was coming. She’d called him and he was coming. He would find her, help her, and he’d alerted the cops. He would make sure she was safe—even if it was from his former best friend.
At the faint sound of an approaching vehicle, her insides tightened in fear. She lifted her head, her gaze darting toward the road, dreading the moment the familiar black pickup came into view again. Carter had driven up and down this road earlier, shouting her name through his open window for endless minutes. He would never stop looking for her.
Headlights cut through the gloom. She turned her face away and squeezed her eyes shut, willing Carter away. The divorce papers had set him off, even though he must have known they were coming.
She sat perfectly still, heart hammering against her ribs as she waited, hardly daring to breathe lest the slightest motion give her hiding spot away.
“Moll?”
She flinched at the male voice all but drowned out by the thundering rain, her heart rocketing into her throat. Shit, she was trapped here. Carter was former Special Forces and the waterlogged ditch was too steep. She’d never be able to climb out and escape him if he found her this time.
“Moll. It’s Jase.”
Jase. The fear receded instantly, the cold inside her thawing under a tide of relief as she turned her head toward him. She trusted him. Trusted that he would protect her and keep her safe, no matter what.
He was wading toward her through the flooded ditch, a tall, strong silhouette, his jeans soaked to the knees. She couldn’t move, couldn’t call out. Her muscles were too weak and shaky to obey her.
Gathering her courage as he came nearer, she forced her gaze up to meet Jase’s. The instant their eyes connected, she almost lost the battle to keep the tears at bay.
Frowning in concern, he quickly climbed into the culvert and knelt down beside her. Before she could find her voice, he reached out and gently grasped her chin in his warm fingers. His jaw was tight, his aqua eyes burning with outrage. “Did he do this? Did he hit you?” he demanded, voice vibrating with horror and anger.
Molly’s fading composure crumbled. All the emotions she’d been holding back crashed over her like a dark wave, taking her under. She leaned toward him just as the dam broke.
Jase made a low sound and reached for her, wrapping his strong, warm arms around her as she laid her head on his shoulder. He ran a comforting hand up and down her back gently. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”
Just her heart, now shattered into a thousand jagged pieces.
She shook her head, her entire body trembling while she choked back the sobs trying to claw their way free of her throat, the humiliation all but strangling her. This was a nightmare. Only she wasn’t dreaming.
“All right, let’s get you out of here.” Jase slid one arm beneath her knees and lifted her, keeping her close to him as he carried her out of the culvert and through the water-filled ditch.
Molly ducked her head against the pelting rain and curled into him. She didn’t know what to say. Was ashamed to tell him what had happened.
“I’m gonna boost you up, then come right behind you.” He lifted her toward the steeply sloping side and helped her scramble over the edge before climbing up the side. Before she could even get to her feet, he scooped her up again, ignoring her mumbled protest as he strode for his truck, parked close by at the edge of the road.
Molly curled against him, still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. As well as something…something that was still happening inside her right now.
Jase opened the front passenger door and carefully placed her on the leather seat. The interior was warm. Almost hot compared to outside.
“Hang tight.” He disappeared for a moment, opened the rear door to grab something and came back with a jacket. He tucked it around her, did up her seatbelt because her hands were still shaking and shut the door. Once he had climbed into the driver’s seat, he cranked the heat to high and reached over to aim the vents at her.
Molly sighed in relief as the warm air flowed over her. The numbness was retreating, leaving a sapping exhaustion in its wake.
Still leaning toward her, Jase reached up to stroke her wet hair away from her face, his eyes worried. “Moll, do you need to go to the hospital?”
“N-no. I’m okay.” You’re not. And you’ll never be okay again.
“What happened?” he asked, turning the truck in a tight circle and starting back up the road.
She huddled beneath his jacket and told him about Carter breaking into the house and attacking her in as few words as possible, her voice hitching due to the little gasps still jarring her lungs.
Jase was silent as she finished, his stubbled jaw clenched tight. He shook his golden-brown head, and a deep, terrible shame engulfed her, almost worse than the pain of Carter hitting her.
But there was more to her story. So much more. She didn’t want to hide the rest from him and had intended to tell everyone anyway. Just not like this.
“And it gets worse,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper.
He looked over at her sharply.
She didn’t speak for a long moment, staring out the windshield into the gloom. “I’m pregnant,” she finally said, her voice breaking.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website /Twitter / Facebook /

Share

Demon’s Mercy (Dark Protectors #9) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Posted on by
11

DEMON’S MERCY (Dark Protector #9) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life. Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

•••••••••

REVIEW: DEMON’S MERCY is the ninth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTOR paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is vampire/demon hybrid Logan Kyllwood, and fae Mercy O’Malley’s story line. DEMON’S MERCY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the Lock must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.

Told from several third person perspectives including Mercy and Logan DEMON’S MERCY focuses on Logan’s search for one of the Keys, a supernatural or enhanced female who, together with two other Keys, will open the lock to save the Realm but all does not go according to plan when Logan finds himself the prisoner of a female Fae, Mercy O’Malley, the woman who would one day be his fated mate. What ensues is the back and forth, escape and recapture between Mercy and Logan, and the potential fall-out as the Fae have sided with the Kurjans and the Cysts, against the Realm.

Mercy O’Malley has known all of her life that she is destined to help save her Fae world. As one of only a few remaining Fae of mating age, our heroine finds herself promised to someone else as she slowly falls in love with our leading man. Logan Kyllwood knows Mercy is his fated mate, the mating wrong is never wrong, but Logan struggles to convince Mercy that trust is earned, even though neither one is willing to accept the other at face value.

Meanwhile Sam Kyllwood is taken hostage and thrown into a hell dimension where the portals open for a revealing surprise.

The relationship between Mercy and Logan is acrimonious at best. Mercy and her fellow Fae females have been assigned to take down and destroy our leading hero in the belief the Seven are a threat to the world. The palpable sexual attraction between Mercy and Logan is immediate; the $ex scenes are passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including Logan’s brother Sam Kyllwood, Garrett Kayrs, and seven year old Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood, and her bestie Paxton; Zane and Janie Belle, Ronan and Faith Karys, Quade Kayrs, Benjamin Reese, demon-vampire and Viking Ivar Kjeidsen, and Scotsman Adare O’Cearbhaill. We are introduced to Mercy’s fellow Fae warriors Sandy and Trina, self- proclaimed King Niall, and president Alyssa Dawn.

The world building continues to focus of the search for the Keys: the fight against the Kurjans and the Cysts; the protection of the Realm; and Hope’s foray into the dreamworld. The seven members of the Shield prepare for war one battle at a time, knowing one or two of their own may be lost forever, encapsulated in an effort to keep Ulric behind proverbial bars.

DEMON’S MERCY is a story of family, friendship, survival and blood. The fast paced premise is engaging and intriguing; the characters are strong, sassy and inspiring; the romance is spirited and moving. DEMON’S MERCY is a sexy, spicy and startling story line sure to please the supernatural lover in all of us.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

Share

Securing Caite (SEAL of Protection: Legacy #1) by Susan Stoker-Review Tour

Posted on by
11

SECURING CAITE (SEAL of Protection: Legacy #1) by Susan Stoker-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / IBOOKS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019

Caite McCallan is a Department of Defense admin working in Bahrain when a glitchy elevator, of all things, leads to an unexpected invitation to dinner by a gorgeous Navy SEAL. When he later stands her up, Caite’s understandably upset…until she overhears a plot that confirms Rocco didn’t blow her off. Instead, he and two fellow SEALs are in danger—and Caite is forced to put her career and her life on the line to save them.

Blake “Rocco” Wise never expected his routine mission to go sideways, but he was even more surprised to find himself and his teammates rescued by the adorably shy woman he met in a stalled elevator. Caite’s selfless act saved his life, but when attempts on her own make it clear someone wants her gone, it’s Rocco’s turn to protect the brave, sweet, sexy woman. The longer he knows her, the more he wants her…but keeping Caite close could bring her nearer to the enemy than ever before.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  SECURING CAITE is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult SEAL of Protection: Legacy military, romance series-a spin off from the author’s original SEAL of Protection series. This is thirty-five year old, US Navy SEAL Blake ‘Rocco’ Wise, and twenty nine year old, administrative assistant Caite McCallan’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Caite and Rocco) SECURING CAITE follows the building relationship between thirty-five year old, US Navy SEAL Blake ‘Rocco’ Wise, and twenty nine year old, administrative assistant Caite McCallan. While working for the US Navy in Bahrain, Caite would find herself trapped in a malfunctioning elevator with three US Navy SEALs Blake ‘Rocco’ Wise, Decker ‘Gumby’ Kincade, and Beckett ‘Ace’ . With their attraction to one another undeniable, Rocco will invite Caite out for dinner but in the ensuing timeline, Rocco and his men disappear without a trace leaving a saddened Caite to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Overhearing a plot to kill three imprisoned US SEALs Caite sets about to rescue the man with whom she will fall in love but things go from bad to worse when Caite is fired for leaving the base, and sent back home with no money and no job. What ensues is the building relationship, once back on US soil, between Caite and Rocco, and the potential fall-out as Caite is targeted for information she knows.

Rocco and Caite had no idea that someone was after our story line heroine until too many incidents point to a potential plot. Hoping to uncover the truth about the how and why, Rocco calls in a group of Navy SEALs in an attempt to take down the person responsible, an attempt that may be too little, too late.

The relationship between Caite and Rocco is one of immediate attraction, a palpable sexual attraction that does not go unnoticed by Gumby and Ace. Rocco’s slow seduction of our story line hero is matched by Caite’s need for passion and love. The $ex scenes are passionate but limited.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and fascinating secondary and supporting characters from several of the author’s earlier story lines. The requisite evil is someone familiar and close.

SECURING CAITE is a cleverly written and realistic story line. The character driven premise is moving; the characters are flirty and fun; the slow building romance is intimate and tender. SECURING CAITE is an energetic and animated look at Navy SEALs and the women they love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

Follow: Amazon/  Instagram/ Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Newsletter Sign Up /  

Share

Forever Broken (Talon Pack #9) by Carrie Ann Ryan- Review Tour

Posted on by
23

Forever Broken (Talon Pack #9) By Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2019

In the finale to the award-winning Talon Pack series from NYT bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan sets, the final Brentwood must find his mate as the war with the Aspens comes to a close.

Cheyenne Liles has watched all of her friends mate into the Talon Pack and have their lives changed forever, one by one. She’s stood back, helpless to assist in the war with a rival Pack. But just when she thinks her time with the Talons is over and believes she should move on with her human life, the Aspen Pack Alpha takes matters into his own hands, altering her fate far more than a single mate mark ever could.

Max Brentwood used to be the smiling one, the only Brentwood who was somehow able to save his soul during the last Alpha’s reign. But his life was irrevocably changed one fateful day on the battlefield, and he was never the same again. Suddenly, Max is forced to face his future and make a choice when Cheyenne comes into danger: let fate decide, or watch his world crumble around him.

The shifters of this world have fought demons, humans, and themselves. Now, it’s time to find out who they truly are as the war between the Packs ends, and the moon goddess finally takes a stand.

••••

REVIEW: What a fabulous ending for this epic series!!!

When blade leaves Cheyenne for dead using her life’s blood to power a artifact that will help him to become the supreme alpha little does he know that max was able to save her. But the moon goddess has a set path for her children that once started will bring big change! The evil of blade will cause more pain,sorrow and even great loss,but their will also be great healing and a victory and rebirth to all of the talon pack and their brother tribes!!! Cheyenne and max have crossed paths many time but neither felt the mate bond, but when the goddess opens the door these two go up in flames and it’s beautiful !!!

I Love both these characters and Carrie’s storytelling is so friggin good. The ending is truly eye opening and a new beginning for all.I cried so many times because of her writing ,their are many beautiful moments and a deep bonding between these two lovers. Their is also love making that will melt your kindle screen! I don’t want to say too much more ,but I will end by saying this…. Very few writers have touched my soul like this writer and reading one of her books is the whole package,she’s a very talented lady!??

Get ebook one TATTERED LOYALTIES in the Talon Pack for FREE

Amazon.com /Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Kat V.

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

Follow: Goodreads / Amazon Page / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Share

Dragon Claimed (Dark Kings 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Donna Grant-Review Tour

Posted on by
12

DRAGON CLAIMED (Dark Kings 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Donna Grant-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019

Born to rule the skies as a Dragon King with power and magic, Cináed hides his true identity in the mountains of Scotland with the rest of his brethren. But there is no respite for them as they protect the planet and the human occupants from threats. However, a new, more dangerous enemy has targeted the Kings. One that will stop at nothing until dragons are gone forever. But Cináed discovers a woman from a powerful, ancient Druid bloodline who might have a connection to this new foe.

Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons.

•••••••

REVIEW: DRAGON CLAIMED is instalment 14.5 and novella in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult, DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Dragon King Cináed, and thirty year old, researcher Gemma Atherton’s story line. DRAGON CLAIMED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Silver Dragon Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides but someone or something is determined to push the Dragons back into another war; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae has set her sights on claiming King Constantine as her mate, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. With the emergence of a group known as the Others, the Dark Kings are facing several supernatural enemies determined to destroy them all.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cináed and Gemma) DRAGON CLAIMED follows Dragon King Cináed as he searches for a woman with connections to the past. Twenty-three years earlier Gemma Atherton was the sole survivor of a sudden but mysterious storm that took her parents and older brother. Fast forward to present day wherein Gemma will come face to face with a man who is willing to help her uncover the truth. Having changed her name and desperate to stay out of the public eye, this is Gemma’s first real chance at discovering the who, how and why of that fateful day. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Gemma and Cináed, and the potential fall-out as Cináed and Gemma are targeted by the Others.

Gemma Atherton knows that something was wrong the day her family disappeared; the feeling of evil permeated the grounds, an evil that continues to threaten to destroy her world. Cináed suspects there is more to Gemma than meets the eye but our heroine is oblivious to her ancient heritage, a heritage that makes her a target of the Dark Kings’ enemy.

The relationship between Cináed and Gemma is one of immediate and palpable sexual attraction. Cináed is drawn to Gemma like a moth to a flame. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the King of the Orange Dragons Merrill, Druid elder Corann, as well as Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae, and a quick appearance by Ryder, and a few of the dragon mates.

The world building continues to focus on the Dragon Kings’ struggle to stay one step ahead of impending war. Queen Usaeil is determined to make King Constantine her mate but drops a hint about potential, future changes to the Dragon Kings and the women they love.

DRAGON CLAIMED is a story of loss and hope, survival and revelations. The premise is intriguing and spirited; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is fated and intimate. DRAGON CLAIMED is a welcome addition to Donna Grant’s Dark Kings paranormal romance series.

Previous Reviews

Dark Craving
Night’s Awakening
Dawn’s Desire
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5
Firestorm
Blaze
Dragon Burn 11.5
Constantine: A History Part 1
Heat
Constantine: A History Part 2
Constantine: A History Part 3
Torched
Dragon Night 13.5
Dragon Fire

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

Posted on by
11

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Hunting for the bad guys has never been so dangerous . . .

My name is Rory Forseti, and I attend the Colorado branch of Mythos Academy, a school of warrior kids, powerful artifacts, and mythological monsters.

I’m a student, a fierce Spartan warrior, and a member of Team Midgard, a group of kids and adults tasked with stopping the evil Reapers of Chaos. There is one Reaper I’m determined to hunt down above all others: Covington, the man who murdered my parents.

So when the Midgard gets a tip that Covington is going to try to steal a dangerous artifact, I’m ready to fight. But the situation is far more complicated than it seems, and the Reapers aren’t my only enemies.

I’ll have to use all my Spartan strength and skills to survive this. And even then, it might be my blood that gets spilled . . .

 

 

Review:

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep is the second book in her Mythos Academy: Colorado series. I am a fan of the original Mythos Academy series, and was happy that the first book in this series was just as much fun to read.  Having just completed Spartan Promise, I can say this was equally as good, and can’t wait for more books to come. 

Rory Forseti is our heroine in this series, who is also a cousin of Gwen Frost, our Mythos Academy heroine. She is a Spartan warrior, who has many strengths and powers,  which she is still learning how to use.   In the first book, we learned that Rory’s parents were members of the evil Reapers, and when they tried to leave, they were murdered.  In the beginning, Rory had a hard time at school, as everyone looked down at her, assuming she was a Reaper like her parents.   But Rory redeemed herself, when she joined the Midgard (part of the Protectorate, who fight the Reapers), and together the team managed to defeat an attack by the Reapers, and save some of the stolen artifacts. 

In Spartan Promise, Rory and her wonderful team (Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda, etc), find themselves in death defying situations quite often, as the Reapers, led by Covington and Drake, try to steal some powerful and destructive artifacts.  The action throughout the book was amazing, and it was non-stop excitement; with Rory trying to stop the creatures created by the artifacts.  It was very tense during those scary moments.

What follows is an exciting, intense, non-stop action adventure that had us on the edge of our seats.  The slow built romance between Rory and Ian continues to grow, as we look forward to them becoming even closer in future books.  Besides the great secondary characters that are part of her team, and her aunt, I loved the Gryphons that come to help her, as well as the fun with the baby gryphon, Brono, who continues to tease poor Babs, Rory’s talking sword.  Cute fun.

If you enjoy Urban Fantasy, with exciting non-stop action, wonderful heroine and secondary characters, as well as two nasty villains, you should be reading this series.  Spartan Promise was another fun enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep once again gives us a great story that had us unable to put the book down.   If you have not started Mythos Academy:Colorado, then I suggest you do so by reading the first book, Spartan Heart.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Share

Prisoner of Night (Black Dagger Brotherhood 16.5) by J.R. Ward-a review

Posted on by
12

PRISONER OF NIGHT (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16.5) by J.R. Ward-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2019

From #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward comes an unforgettable story of passion and vengeance in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world.

When Ahmare’s brother is abducted, there is nothing she won’t do to get him back safely. She is unprepared, however, for the lengths she will have to go to save his life. Paired with a dangerous but enticing prisoner, she embarks on an odyssey into another world.

Duran, betrayed by his father, imprisoned in a dungeon for decades, has survived only because of his thirst for vengeance. He has been biding his time to escape and is shocked to find an unlikely and temporary freedom in the form of a determined young female.

Battling against deadly forces and facing unforeseen peril, the pair are in a race to save Ahmare’s brother. As time runs out, and the unthinkable looms, even true love may not be enough to carry them through.

••••••••

REVIEW: PRISONER OF THE NIGHT by J.R. Ward is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, paranormal, romance story line in the world of the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. This is vampires Ahmare and Duran’s story line. PRISONER OF NIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

NOTE: PRISONER OF NIGHT contains scenes of graphic torture and violence that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ahmar and Duran) PRISONER OF NIGHT follows female vampire Ahmare as she barters for the release of her brother Ahlan, imprisoned by warlord Chalen the Conqueror. Demanding payment and services for her brother’s release Chalen sends Ahmare on two quests: to bring back the severed head of a local drug dealer; and to find and return Chalen’s ‘beloved’. Enter Duran, another vampire prisoner of Chalen the Conqueror, and the man with whom Ahmare will fall in love. What ensues is the journey across country for Ahmare and Duran; the building relationship and love between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as Duran sets out on a quest of his own to destroy the man that destroyed everyone he loved.

Duran knows where Chalen’s beloved is kept but the journey to freedom brings back too many memories of the past, a past that imprisoned our hero for over twenty –one years enduring torture and abuse at the hands of Chalen the Conqueror. Ahmare is desperate to negotiate her brother’s release but working with Duran finds our heroine falling for a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for the ultimate goal.

PRISONER OF NIGHT focuses on never-before mentioned side-characters of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, characters with no connection to the main series but characters whose lives, like the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s, are affected by torture, pain and abuse, with the added benefit of a ‘religious cult’, previously unknown to the Scribe Virgin and Wrath the King.

We are introduced to Ahmare’s long suffering brother Ahlan; Chalen the Conqueror; Duran’s friend Nexi, and Duran’s father Excalduran.

PRISONER OF NIGHT is a tale of survival, dedication, vengeance and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional and raw; the characters are broken, determined and lost; the romance is passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Share